The Portland daily press., 1887-03-10
FROM WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, March 9.-Although 0. Secre-
tary Manning's resignation does not take
effect until April lst. he virtually severed his
connection with the department this after
noon. In accordance with his expressed
wish there was no formal leave taking, but
few officials who knew Of his contemplated
departure improved the opportunity 10 call
on him and say good bye" He was pre-
sented with handsome floral design by the
messengers attached to his. Office, who also
sent letter expressing their appreciation Of
his kind and considerate treatment. Mr..
Manning will leave Washington tomorrow
for short visit to New York and Albany
prior to his departure for Europe. He Is
his health shows no impairment since his re-
turn to duty. Acting Secretary Fairchild is
still regarded as his most likely successor.
Senatorial Seats Assigned.
The seats Of the Senators whose terms ex-
pired with the last Congress have already
been assigned. On the Republican side Sem
ator Platt Of Connecticut moves down the
front row and takes Mahone's vacant chair,
between Edmunds and Morrill, of Vermont.
Senator Hawley moves along to his col
leagues late seat, and Senator Evarts ex-
changes from a seat on the back row next to
Senator Stanford to the seat vacated by
Hawley. Senator Blair has deserted his
obscure corner on the Republican side and
gone over to the desk formerly used by Mr..
Fair of Nevada, on the Democratic side,
third row, middle aisle, where he may be
! seen from all points on the floor or in the
galleries. Senator Blackburn of Kentucky
takes the very desirable seat which Jones Of
Detroit and Florida will occupy no more,
and Wilson Of Maryland moves into the
front rank into the seat vacated by Maxey Of
Texas.
FortIflcations In Bad Shape.
Touching the failure Of Congress TO pass
the forti6cation appropriation bill, Bennett,
chief of ordnance, today said the result is TO
leave the f0rtiicati0n and ordnance works in
worse shape than they we're after adjourn
ment last session. At that time there were
few fragments available, but now the ord
nance bureau and engineer corps must come
to full stop so far as concerns the construc-
tion of guns and Notifications. There is no
expectation among the ordnance officers that
Congress will pass the f0rtifcatiOn apprOpri-
alton bill before the closing days Of next ses-
sion, and during the next Is months there
will not be funds available to pay even
watchmen at the Notifications without the
garrison.
The Cruisers.
The officers of the naval ordnance bureau
state that the failure of the deficiency bill
will not affect the armament for the Roach
cruisers The gaEs for these ships are said
to be near completion, and enough money il
on hand to carry them through. The NUM-
tion allowance for the vessels will, however
be greatly reduced as a result of the failure
of the bill. 1t is understood that Secretary
Whitney intends to ask for an opinion from
the Attorney General upon the completion sf
the cruisers. The Secretary is inclined to
think that he can apply money from another
appropriation to the carrying on Of the
cruiser work.
CreeIy Receives His Commission.
Brigadier General Greedy today received
his commission as chief signal officer to sue
ceed the late General Hazen.
A New Postoffice Established.
WASHINGTON. March GA new postofice
has been established at West Jonesport, and
James b. Clark appointed postmaster.